A HANDBAG containing almost £4000 in cash was stolen from a 92-year-old holidaymaker in Stirling.

The pensioner, from Derbyshire, who was holidaying in Scotland, visited several charity shops in the city centre on Saturday, May 17. Her handbag was stolen sometime between 12.20pm and 2.45pm.

She alerted security staff at Thistles Shopping Centre after realising that the bag, which contained almost £4000, was missing.

Police are appealing for information and urging members of the public to take extra care of their belongings.

Constable Sandy McIntyre, of the Crime Management Unit, said: “We would ask shoppers to take great care of their belongings because this is not the first time in the Forth Valley area that a woman has had her handbag stolen.

“In Falkirk recently, two women aged 77 and 53 were the victims of similar crimes having also been shopping in charity shops.

“Saturday’s theft in Stirling has been very distressing for a lady who had simply come to the area to enjoy a holiday.

"I would ask anyone with any information on this or other thefts to contact Police Scotland on 101 or, alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”